How Much Does Floor Insulation Cost?

Floor insulation doesn’t get much attention, but it quietly does a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to keeping your home warm and your energy bills down. A professional installation for a typical UK home usually runs between £1,300 and £3,000. What you’ll actually pay depends on your floor type, the size of the space, the insulation material, and whether you’re hiring someone or doing it yourself.

At a glance

• Professional floor insulation typically costs between £1,300 and £3,000 for an average UK home.
• The material matters: rolls, rigid boards, and spray foam all sit at different price points.
• Your home’s size, floor type, and installer location all affect the final bill.
• Good insulation can cut your energy bills by up to £500 a year.

Average costs of floor insulation

For most homes, professional floor insulation comes in at £1,300 to £3,000 in 2026. Go the DIY route and you might bring that down to £500–£1,000, though it’s worth being realistic about your time and what the job actually involves.

The three main types of floor insulation, and what they cost:

• Rigid boards: Around £20–£50 per square metre. A solid choice for flat or solid floors.
• Spray foam: Higher coverage, higher cost – typically £25–£65 per square metre.
• Quilted rolls: The budget-friendly option for suspended timber floors, starting from around £5–£10 per square metre.

If you’re in London or the South East, expect labour costs to sit at the higher end. Getting two or three quotes before committing is always worth it.

What affects the cost

No two homes are the same, and neither are the quotes. Here’s what tends to move the price up or down:

• Property size: More floor space means more material and more time.
• Insulation type: Spray foam costs more upfront but performs well thermally.
• Labour rates: These vary across the UK, so your postcode plays a part.
• Access: A cramped crawl space takes longer to work in, which pushes up labour costs.
• Additional prep: Damp-proof membranes or floor levelling can add to the bill.

DIY vs professional installation

DIY can work well for straightforward jobs – basic roll insulation starts at around £5 per square metre, and if you’re comfortable getting into a crawl space, the savings are real. Labour rates for professionals generally run between £20 and £50 per hour, depending on where you are.

Before going DIY, think about what the job needs: a staple gun, a utility knife, protective gear, and a good few hours at minimum. If the floor is awkward, damp, or needs prep work first, a professional will often save you more than they cost.

Is floor insulation covered by home insurance?

Home insurance won’t cover the cost of installing or upgrading insulation as standard — that’s a home improvement, not an insured event. But if your floor is damaged as a result of something that is covered, like a burst pipe causing water damage, your buildings insurance may well cover the repair or replacement.

With Lemonade’s buildings insurance, damage caused by an insured event is covered, so it’s worth checking your policy wording if you’re unsure what applies to your situation.

Before we go

Floor insulation is one of those home improvements that quietly pays for itself. Whether you go DIY or bring in a professional, do your research, get a few quotes, and check what your home insurance covers before you start. The warmer floors and lower bills are worth it.

Floor insulation FAQs